Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Paralichthyidae
- Genus
- Paralichthys
- Species
- microps
Habitat
This species inhabits the southeastern Pacific Ocean, primarily along the continental shelf of Chile, in shallow coastal waters up to 100 meters deep. It prefers sandy or muddy substrates where it can bury itself, often near rocky areas or seagrass beds for additional cover. These environments provide ample prey and protection from predators.
Diet
The small-eyed flounder primarily feeds on small fish, crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, and polychaete worms. It employs an ambush strategy, lying partially buried in the sediment and striking quickly at passing prey, with feeding most active during nighttime hours. This opportunistic feeding behavior helps it conserve energy in its benthic environment.
Behavior
The small-eyed flounder is primarily nocturnal, spending the day buried in sand or mud to avoid detection, and emerging at night to hunt. It is solitary and territorial, defending small areas of the seafloor from others of its kind. This species exhibits strong camouflage abilities, rapidly changing color and pattern to blend with the substrate.
Fishing
Target the small-eyed flounder in the shallow coastal waters of Chile, particularly on sandy or muddy substrates up to 100 meters deep, near rocky areas or seagrass beds where they bury themselves for ambush feeding. Use bottom fishing techniques, such as drifting bait along the seafloor or jigging with light lures, to effectively mimic their prey like small fish, shrimp, crabs, or polychaete worms; opt for medium-light tackle including a 6-8 foot rod, 10-20 lb test line, and a size 1/0-2/0 hook to handle their up to 7 lbs 1 oz weight without damaging the fish. The best season is spring and summer during spawning, with peak activity at night when they hunt, making evening trips most productive. Typical lengths range from 30-50 cm, with record sizes reaching 60 cm, though IGFA records are not specifically documented for this species. Conservation-wise, while the small-eyed flounder is listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN, anglers play a key role in aquatic protection through catch-and-release practices and supporting license-funded programs that maintain healthy populations and habitats in Chilean waters, ensuring regulated fishing as an effective tool for conservation.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.